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Finally, the very celebration was perfect, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root eased the ball away to fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A player who already had 39 centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, trace the journey, the craft, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of banter-war material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Every Australian who knows about cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Foundation

This ton felt meaningful in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a outstanding one in truly tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, graceful, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius building up for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no context where this was a smart choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Response

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a victory for doing your homework, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what talent in the end means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.